I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.

Working With A Great Dentist

Brushing Up Your Brushing Routine: 3 Helpful Tips

13 October 2015

Harper Hughes

By now you are probably aware that brushing twice a day is an important part of a good oral health regimen. But have you ever stopped to consider just how that brushing should be conducted? If you are interesting in taking the best possible care of your teeth, read on. This article will provide three key tips for brushing up your brushing.

Wait to brush after ingesting high-acid foods.

As you surely know, diet plays a huge role in the well-being of your teeth. Sugary and high-starch foods, for example, promote the rapid development of dental plaque--the precursor to almost all types of dental decay. Because of this, many people are in the habit of brushing immediately after finishing a meal.

Yet, counter-intuitive as it may seem, this isn't always a good idea when you've been ingesting highly acidic foods, such as citrus, coffee, or cheese. That's because high acid levels actually cause the enamel that protects the surface of your teeth to soften. Brushing too soon can lead to premature wear and tear of that vulnerable enamel. Instead, wait at least thirty minutes in order to give your enamel enough time to firm back up.

Downsize your super huge toothbrush.

From cars to cell phones to portion sizes, there is an undeniable trend toward the super-sized in our culture today. Even toothbrushes have not been spared from this fate. But while those giant toothbrushes may do a great job of catching your eye, they won't always do as good a job when it comes to cleaning your teeth.

You see, those wide, bristle-laden brushes make it harder to access the your back teeth--molars especially. As a result, these overlooked teeth accumulate excess plaque and soon begin to exhibit signs of decay. Keep this in mind the next time you find yourself shopping for a new brush. Try to find one with a head no more than half an inch wide and one inch tall.

Vary your brushing strategy.

If you happen to be like many people, you probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about what happens once that toothbrush is in your mouth. Unfortunately, this tendency to go into autopilot mode can lead to problems when brushing. Specifically, it might mean that certain teeth are getting more attention than others on a regular basis.

Next time you brush, be sure to pay attention to your routine. Do you start with the same teeth every time? If so, you may be paying less attention to certain areas. Make a conscious effort to regularly change where you start and stop brushing. That way, all of your teeth will be sure to receive their due share of attention.